# Survival of the Thickest (2023)

> After a breakup leaves her newly single, plus-size Black woman Mavis Beaumont rebuilds her life with the help of her chosen family.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/145500

## Facts

- Seasons: 3
- Episodes: 24
- Episode runtime: 27 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: comedy, drama
- Created by: Michelle Buteau, Danielle Sanchez-Witzel
- Network: Netflix
- Cast: Michelle Buteau, Tone Bell, Tasha Smith, Taylor Selé, NaTonia Monét, Annie Pisapia, Shannon Destiny Ryan, Jordan Carlos
- TMDB rating: 7.5/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17361756/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: mild
- Complexity: simple
- Violence: none
- Tone: witty, sarcastic, feel good, hopeful, breezy

## What critics say

Audiences find it a warm, witty and feel-good take on dating and self-reinvention, with humor and chosen-family support carrying it through uneven stretches.

## Synopsis

Survival of the Thickest (2023-2026) is a US Netflix comedy drama series created by Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel. Michelle Buteau stars as Mavis Beaumont, a Black, plus-size woman who, newly single after putting all her eggs in one man's basket, must rebuild her life from scratch. Her engine is simple and relatable: she wants stability and self respect back, and the obstacles are ex fallout, dating mishaps and the daily grind of starting over in a city that does not always make room for her. Each episode of this three-season run follows her through an everyday mess of romance, work and style, with her closest friends, including Khalil (Tone Bell), Marley (Tasha Smith) and Jacque (Taylor Sele), serving as the chosen family who keep her grounded and make her laugh. The show is a witty, sarcastic and feel good romcom at heart, with a body positive and fashion forward attitude that stays sharp without turning cruel. Its tone is breezy and warm, lightly dramatic in places, and it will appeal to viewers who enjoy the confident humor of Insecure, the romantic ups and downs of Sex and the City, and the frank, self-aware comedy of Chewing Gum. Created for a streaming audience, it is an easy, heartfelt binge.

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